What is Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler and how it infects devices

Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler is a type of potentially unwanted application (PUA) that often comes bundled with other software downloads. This bundler is specifically associated with the popular software developer Piriform, known for creating tools like CCleaner and Defraggler. When users download software from Piriform or other sources, they may unknowingly install Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler along with it.

Once Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler infects a computer, it can cause a range of issues such as displaying unwanted advertisements, slowing down system performance, and even collecting sensitive information from the user. This type of bundler is considered unwanted because it often installs additional software or tools without the user’s consent, leading to a cluttered and potentially compromised system. Users should be cautious when downloading software from websites and always opt for custom installation options to avoid installing bundled applications like Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler.

Removing Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler using Virus & Threat Protection

Virus & threat protection in Windows Security, particularly through Microsoft Defender Antivirus, offers real-time protection against malware, viruses, trojans, and other threats. It provides various scan options, including quick, full, custom, and offline scans, to detect and remove malicious software effectively. Try to remove Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler by following the instructions below:

1. Open Windows Security:
   1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
   2. Go to Update & Security and then click on Windows Security.
2. Access Virus & Threat Protection:
   1. In Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection from the left-hand menu.
3. Initiate a Scan:
   1. Under Virus & threat protection, click on Quick scan to perform a fast scan for malware.
   2. For a more thorough check, choose Advanced scan and select the type of scan you want (Full scan, Custom scan, or Windows Defender Offline scan).
4. Review Scan Results:
   1. After the scan is complete, review the results to see if any malware or threats have been detected.
   2. Follow the prompts to take action on any identified threats, such as quarantining or removing them.
5. Additional Actions:
   1. Consider running periodic scans to ensure your system remains free of malware.
   2. Keep your operating system and security software up to date to prevent future infections.

Removing Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler using Autoruns

Autoruns is a robust tool for Windows users to oversee and regulate automatic program launches on their systems. With its detailed breakdown of autostart locations and entries, Autoruns aids in detecting and disabling malicious software like viruses and trojans. Try to remove Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler by following the instructions below:

1. Download Autoruns:
   1. Download Autoruns and run Autoruns.exe after extracting the archive.
2. Configure Autoruns:
   1. In the Autoruns application, go to Options and ensure checkboxes are selected near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
   2. This step helps in focusing on third-party entries that may be malicious.
3. Identify Suspicious Entries:
   1. Search for suspicious entries with unusual names or running from locations like C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
   2. Right-click on any suspicious entry and choose Delete to prevent the threat from running at startup.
4. Check Scheduled Tasks:
   1. Switch to the Scheduled Tasks tab in Autoruns and repeat the process of identifying and deleting any suspicious entries.
5. Remove Files and Registry Keys:
   1. Click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry to locate and remove any associated files, folders, or registry keys.
6. Prevent Startup:
   1. To prevent the threat from running at startup, ensure all identified malicious entries are deleted both in the Autoruns and Scheduled Tasks tabs.
7. Reboot the System:
   1. Restart your computer to ensure that the changes made using Autoruns take effect.

Removing Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler using Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a valuable utility that aids in combating prevalent malware, viruses, and trojans by providing targeted removal of specific malicious software. It operates effectively as a post-infection removal tool, complementing regular antivirus software by offering a focused scan for known threats, ensuring a more secure computing environment. Try to remove Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler by following the instructions below:

1. Download MSRT:
   1. Visit the official Microsoft page for the Malicious Software Removal Tool and click on the Download button to get the tool.
2. Run MSRT:
   1. Once downloaded, open the tool by running the downloaded file.
   2. Ensure you have local administrator privileges to execute the tool effectively.
3. Scan for Malware:
   1. Follow the on-screen instructions to start scanning your system for prevalent malware, including Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler.
   2. Choose the scan mode that suits your needs (Quick scan, Full scan, or Customize scan).
4. Review and Remove Threats:
   1. After the scan is complete, review the detailed results provided by MSRT.
   2. If Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler or any other threats are detected, follow the prompts to remove them from your system.
5. Check Log File:
   1. Locate and review the log file generated by MSRT at %windir%\debug\mrt.log.
   2. This log file contains information about detected infections and actions taken by the tool.

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool cannot replace a real antivirus product. While the tool is effective for post-infection removal of specific prevalent malware, it does not offer real-time protection like antivirus software, which actively prevents malicious software from running on a computer. It is crucial to install and use an up-to-date antivirus product alongside the Malicious Software Removal Tool for comprehensive protection against malware.

Removing Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler using Antimalware Tool

Recommended Anti-malware tool:

• For Windows:
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Removing the Puabundler:Win32/Piriformbundler involves a series of steps that require advanced IT skills. However, automated tools like SpyHunter can help simplify the process. If you suspect your system is infected, it’s recommended to run a scan with SpyHunter for Windows to automatically eliminate the infiltrated malware.